Daisuke Matsuzaka set to return to Japan

Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka is set to return to Japan and pitch for the Fukoka Softbank Hawks.

While a deal between the two is not official, it is just a formality.

“Pitchers who can start are a valuable commodity, so we will do our best to get him,” said team president Yoshimitsu Goto. “We hope to get this done in the coming days.”

Matsuzaka, now 34, last pitched in Japan in 2006 before leaving to sign with the Red Sox.

In parts of eight big league seasons Matsuzaka will end his Major League carer with a 56-43 record, 4.45 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. Last year with the Mets he appeared in 34 games making nine starts and finishing with a 3.89 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP.